The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Authority has awarded the Town of Benson a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant totaling $366,850. These funds will be used for major updates and additions to the Lee Street Complex and Dr. PK Vyas Community Park.
This year, NC PARTF awarded over $6.7 million in grants to fund 27 local parks and recreation projects across the state. The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Authority approved the grants at its meeting held in Raleigh.
The list of project elements in Benson is extensive including a field house with children’s play area, baseball field grading, fencing for baseball fields, a multi-use field, and walking track extension, among other upgrades.
This funding is the result of many years of planning and work — the Town of Benson, Parks & Recreation, various local civic organizations, NC Parks, and the citizens of Benson all played an integral role.
“This is something we have been working toward for a long time,” said Benson Parks and Recreation Director Matt Smith. “We are so thankful for everyone that helped make this happen. This is a milestone for Benson and its green spaces. However, now the work must continue and we’re excited to begin the steps in making this dream come true.”
“We really appreciate the many hours of planning and preparing the grant application by Matt Smith and all his team, and most especially the guidance and support of consultants Jennifer Beedle-Munley and Skip Green who helped update the plan,” said Benson Mayor Jerry Medlin.
“We also want to thank the matching fund participants Dale Parker, South Johnston Optimist Club, First Citizens Bank, United Community Bank, Dr. P. K. Vyas, Berry Global, Town of Benson, and many others that have pushed to get this project completed,” he added.
About the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant:
PARTF provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants to local governments for parks and recreational projects to serve the public.
PARTF is the primary source of funding to build and renovate facilities in the state parks as well as to buy land for new and existing parks.
